Reviving the Uchiha Clan: Starting with a Legacy of Many Descendants

Inside the Akatsuki's secret hideout, tension ran high. Orochimaru, bound by Itachi's powerful genjutsu, felt his ambitions slipping away. The sharp edge of Itachi's kunai gleamed as it sliced through the air, severing Orochimaru's left hand. Blood splattered across the stone floor, and Orochimaru winced but refused to scream.

"Itachi, your eyes possess such formidable power," Orochimaru muttered, his breath ragged. He raised his remaining hand to shield his face, attempting one last feeble resistance. 

Itachi's voice was cold and emotionless, "Pain of this level should be tolerable for you, Orochimaru. Your tricks are useless against my eyes. You will never have me. Give up."

Clutching his severed arm, Orochimaru gritted his teeth, "I will never give up on you!"

Ignoring Orochimaru's defiance, Itachi pressed the kunai closer to Orochimaru's forehead, contemplating his next move. "Orochimaru, I wonder how I should deal with you. Should I end your life now or use you for another purpose?"

Before Itachi could decide, a flurry of shurikens flew towards him. With swift, graceful movements, Itachi dodged them effortlessly. Kabuto Yakushi emerged from the shadows, rushing to Orochimaru's side. "Orochimaru-sama, are you alright?"

Orochimaru paid no heed to Kabuto's concern, his eyes fixed on Itachi with a mixture of longing and frustration. "Itachi, our unresolved matter will be settled another day!"

Under the cover of several explosive tags, Kabuto and Orochimaru retreated hastily. Itachi watched them disappear, choosing not to pursue.

---

At a secluded location, far from prying eyes, Kabuto carefully aligned Orochimaru's severed hand with his arm. "Orochimaru-sama, let me reattach your hand."

"There's no need," Orochimaru panted, his face pale from the blood loss. "I'll simply replace this body. Itachi... that wretched boy..."

Kabuto, ever meticulous, had retrieved Orochimaru's severed hand. "Shall I dispose of this?"

Orochimaru's snake-like eyes narrowed as he glanced at the ring on the severed hand. "Keep it. Preserve it as a reminder of my time with the Akatsuki."

Kabuto's eyes widened. "Orochimaru-sama, do you mean...?"

"Yes," Orochimaru hissed. "From today, I'm leaving the Akatsuki."

---

In the Akatsuki's hidden base, the members gathered at Pain's summons. Silhouettes of Konan, Zetsu, Itachi, Sasori, and Kakuzu flickered into existence. Orochimaru's absence was immediately noted.

"Orochimaru has defected from the organization," Pain declared.

Sasori's voice dripped with disdain, "I knew he couldn't be trusted. Always prioritizing his own ambitions over the group."

Pain remained composed. "While we cannot condone Orochimaru's pursuit of freedom, our primary concern now is replenishing our ranks."

From the shadows, Tobi's hand shot up enthusiastically, "Hey, hey, pick me! I can fill the gap!"

Sasori's scorn was evident, "Stay out of this, fool."

Tobi slumped back into the corner, visibly deflated. Sasori continued, "I'll handle Orochimaru. Kabuto is my spy; I can track them both. Traitors must be dealt with."

Pain raised a hand to calm the group. "Recruiting new members is our priority. I have a few candidates in mind. I'll need you all to assist in their recruitment."

The members nodded in agreement. Pain then turned to Itachi, his expression unreadable. "One more thing. There's news from Konoha. Danzo has been overthrown by an Uchiha named Natsuhane. He wields the Mangekyo Sharingan and can summon Susanoo."

Kakuzu's interest was piqued. "An Uchiha with such abilities? Itachi, do you know him? His head might fetch a high price."

"I don't know him," Itachi responded coolly, though his mind was abuzz with thoughts.

Natsuhane... who could have predicted you would rise to such power? Itachi's memories of Natsuhane were vague. He had dismissed him as nothing more than a philanderer. On the night of the massacre, Natsuhane's absence from the clan compound was a mere afterthought. Itachi had never considered him a threat.

For one to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, they must endure immense emotional trauma. It was not a feat for the ordinary.

Have I underestimated you, Natsuhane? Itachi pondered, contemplating a return to Konoha. He needed to see for himself if Natsuhane was someone worthy of his brother Sasuke's trust.

"Do you know him, Itachi?" Kakuzu pressed, unwilling to let the topic drop.

"I told you, I don't," Itachi reiterated, his tone icy.

Kakuzu's eyes flashed with irritation, but Pain interjected, "According to reports, Natsuhane is quite the womanizer. He has turned the Uchiha compound into his personal harem, with nearly 2,000 wives and over a hundred children."

The Akatsuki members were momentarily stunned. Such a character was unprecedented.

Sasori sneered, "So, the Uchiha clan has produced such an eccentric. Itachi, this reflects poorly on you."

"Your clan's resurgence seems almost farcical. Natsuhane has nearly undone your massacre within a year," Sasori taunted. "Shall I assist you in eradicating them once more? I don't leave loose ends."